Massage and Bodywork Therapies can bring relaxation and an improved sense of wellbeing to a pregnant woman.
Prenatal Massage Certification
Massage Therapists can take a continuing education course in Prenatal Massage to gain certification. Commonly practitioners that train specifically in prenatal bodywork will want to specialize in offering those services.
Bodywork Modalities for the Childbearing Year
Modalities such as Bowen Therapy, Reflexology, Maya Abdominal Massage and other forms of bodywork are commonly used during pregnancy or in the postpartum period, or both. Practitioners specially trained in these modalities will know appropriate times to receive a session, contraindications of a session and frequency for maximum benefits.
Bowen Therapy – often used during the end of the third trimester to prepare the woman’s body for labor and childbirth.
Reflexology – commonly used throughout pregnancy for relaxation, symptom management and maintain good health. Reflexology can also be used during labor to assist with pain management as well as speed up stalled labors.
Maya Abdominal Massage – used past six weeks in the postpartum period to help the uterus and abdominal organs return to pre-pregnancy places.
Reiki – used for relaxation during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Massage during Pregnancy
Massage and bodywork can begin at any point during pregnancy, however, some spas and centers will refuse care to women during the first trimester. This is generally due to the increased risks of miscarriage during the first 12 weeks. Dr. Gowri Motha recommends light reflexology during the first trimester for morning sickness in her book The Gentle Birth Method [Thorsons, published 2004, ISBN 0007176848].
Prenatal massage can be very beneficial to help with the pains and strains of the body’s muscles and bones as the baby grows. A study by the Touch Research Institute found that women receiving twice weekly, twenty minute massage sessions reported less back pain and improved moods at the end of five weeks [Pregnant women benefit from massage therapy, Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1999 Mar;20(1):31-8, PMID 10212885].
Bodywork in the Labor Room
Different forms of pressure therapies, such as Reflexology and Acupressure, are very common in the labor and delivery room. Some couples even hire their massage therapist to offer massage during labor.
Contraindications and Special Considerations
Some health conditions during pregnancy may be contraindicated during pregnancy. Other conditions may require special considerations or observations from a health professional.
Ask your doctor if you have:
- a history of pre-term labor
- have experienced severe swelling
- have high blood pressure
- are considered a high pregnancy
- or have pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH)
- or other medical conditions
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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